Royals arrive in Cayman Islands

Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex arrived in the Cayman Islands today (Sunday, 6th March) for a two-day visit.

The couple landed at Owen Roberts International Airport this morning around 10.30am, where they were greeted by Her Excellency the Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, and the Premier, Hon. Alden McLaughlin.

Girl Guide Carrie McCoy (17), presented The Countess of Wessex with a posy of flowers before The Earl received the royal salute from the police guard of honour.

The couple then proceeded to the airport’s VIP lounge to meet Government Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly and their spouses.

Following the short reception, the Earl and Countess flew on to Little Cayman by private charter, where they were greeted by Deputy Premier, the Hon. Moses Kirkconnell; Minister for Financial Services, Commerce and Environment, the Hon. Wayne Panton; Dr. Carrie Manfrino, president of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI); and Chris Humphries, chairman of CCMI. District Commissioner Ernie Scott and Deputy District Commissioner Mark Tibbetts, along with Dr. Srirangan Velusamy who is the director of health services in Sister Islands, also met the couple as they disembarked from the plane.

Later in the day the couple visited the marine institute, where the Earl has been patron since he visited the Cayman Islands in 2003.

The couple carried out a series of private engagements for the rest of the day in Little Cayman and are expected to return to Grand Cayman tomorrow (Monday).

His Royal Highness and The Countess will attend separate luncheons tomorrow. The Earl will join Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme participants at Government House. Meanwhile, The Countess will briefly address 100 Women in Hedge Funds at the National Gallery. Her Royal Highness will rejoin her husband at Government House for the presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award to Lashonda Powell.

The royal couple will leave the island later tomorrow afternoon.

HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, is the fourth child and youngest son of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He has been married to Sophie, Countess of Wessex, since 1999. They have two children, a daughter Louise and a son James.